National security a 'clown show'... Suarez circus staff robbed at gunpoint

STAFF members of the Suarez Brothers Circus on Endeavor Avenue, Chaguanas, were robbed at gunpoint by four armed men on Tuesday evening while packing equipment.

In an interview with the Express yesterday, Ivan Suarez, director of the Suarez Brothers Circus, said: “We will have to think twice…because the crime situation in the country is very difficult.”

However, he hopes that this bad situation will not deter them from returning in the future, adding that the response in the country has been great despite the unfortunate situation.

According to Suarez, an estimated $20,000 was stolen, as well as his brother’s personal belongings, including his passport.

He said the circus held its final show in Trinidad and Tobago last Sunday and is expected to head to Jamaica next week.

However, he expressed concern about the situation his brother has now been placed in, with his passport stolen.

He recalled that while about 25 staff members were finishing up and packing up equipment, “one vehicle with four armed men entered the office, the vehicle we have on site, and at that point we had all the staff not the artists.”

“They beat two of the workers and took a girl into the office, and the boys asked her to open (the man’s) door with the gun. She had no choice; My brother was there and said…just take the money and leave.”

He said a backpack containing ID, passport and other personal documents was taken. Asked about any indications from the police, he said there had been no word from the police yet.

He added that it was difficult to reach the police but they were able to get help from police officers present at the Indian Expo.

‘Dropping the ball on crime’ Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West Dinesh Rambally commented on the robbery in a press release yesterday.

“Unfortunately, the Suarez Brothers Circus was robbed in Chaguanas. A show meant to bring joy to families is the latest victim of our out-of-control crime rate. National security in our country clearly appears as a complete clown show in the eyes of the criminals and which all citizens have to undergo,” he said.

He continued: “While the actual circus troupe may know how to pull off a balancing act, the government continues to drop the ball on tackling crime. When criminals can strike at will – whether in your own home or in a circus tent – not only property is at stake, but also our peace of mind, our sense of community and the very fabric of security.

‘The truth is that citizens have had enough. We are tired of paying for tickets to this horror show, of watching government officials talk a big game from the sidelines while the criminals call the shots.”

The Mexican circus returned to Trinidad after six years, opening on July 5 at the Queen’s Park Savannah before moving to Skinner Park, San Fernando, and then to the Diwali Nagar car park, Chaguanas.